By Waziri Isa Adam Gwantu
The Department of Islamic Studies, Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, held its maiden International Conference in collaboration with the Katsina State Hisbah Board.
The conference, which brought together scholars, government officials, and traditional rulers, was held under the theme: _“Strengthening Hisbah Institutions in Contemporary Society: Synergy between Faith, Scholarship and Social Responsibility: Amr bil-Ma’ruf wa Nahy ‘anil-Munkar in Theory and Practice.”_
Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of FUDMA, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, said the presence of dignitaries underscored the relevance of the event and affirmed that scholarship remains one of the most powerful tools for addressing societal challenges.
Prof. Othman noted that across many societies today, rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, violent extremism, substance abuse, family disintegration, and declining ethical values continue to strain institutions. He said these realities require thoughtful responses grounded in knowledge rather than emotion or prejudice.
“I wish to acknowledge the Katsina State Hisbah Board for its collaboration with FUDMA. Partnerships of this nature demonstrate what is possible when academic institutions and public agencies work together with mutual respect and clearly defined objectives,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor further said that such collaboration also creates opportunities for research and that the university administration would render absolute support to the Department to actualize its proposed collaboration with the University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
In his remarks, the Head of Department of Islamic Studies, Prof. Jabir Musa Sulaiman, said the conference was organized to serve as an avenue for collaboration between academia and government agencies to identify strategic roadmaps for strengthening the Hisbah institution toward the promotion of morality in society.
Prof. Sulaiman disclosed that the Department is planning to partner with the University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia in areas of sharing ideas, staff and students exchange, among others.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ibrahim Muhammad from the Department of Islamic Studies and Shariah, Bayero University, Kano, said the institution of Hisbah occupies a central place in the Islamic system of governance as a mechanism for promoting public morality, social justice, accountability, and the welfare of society.
He explained that historically, the office of the _muhtasib_ was established to safeguard both religious and public interests by ensuring fairness in commercial transactions, protecting public rights, preventing social harm, and encouraging ethical conduct.
Prof. Muhammad added that the Hisbah institution in Katsina State has the potential to serve as a catalyst for moral renewal, social harmony, and sustainable development, but must evolve beyond a narrow perception of moral enforcement to embrace a more comprehensive and people-centered approach to community service.
The Lead Paper Presenter 1, Prof. Muhammad Yahya Mujahid from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said Islam upholds the concept of _Amr bil Ma’ruf wan Nahyi anil Munkar_, which is the promotion of good and virtues and the prevention of evils and abominations in order to safeguard the religion.
Prof. Mujahid said in contemporary Katsina State, where social transformation is being shaped by urbanization, digital technology, youth unemployment, insecurity, and changing cultural values, the role of Hisbah has become increasingly significant.
He added that these realities demand that the institution undergo continuous reform to remain effective, professionally managed, and responsive to emerging societal challenges while remaining firmly rooted in Islamic principles.
In the 2nd Lead Paper Presentation, the Commandant-General of Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, said the need to strengthen Hisbah finds strong support in the Qur’an, which describes the Muslim community as one entrusted with promoting virtue and preventing wrongdoing.
Sheikh Daurawa quoted Qur’an 3:104 and 3:110, stressing that for any Hisbah institution to succeed, it must be backed and established by law, its personnel must be paid reasonable salaries, and they must undergo certified training in Islamic knowledge and other necessary skills from institutions of higher learning.
He said Hisbah also requires strengthening its legal and institutional framework, investing in professional development of personnel, promoting preventive education, supporting family stability, empowering young people, embracing technological innovation, and fostering collaboration with government agencies and civil society organizations.
The opening ceremony also featured a book launch by Hajiya Hauwa’u Umar Radda in honour of late Prof. Musa Ahmad Karkarku of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, who was also a Sabbatical staff to the Islamic Studies Department of FUDMA.
The occasion was graced by the Katsina State Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, the Katsina State Grand Khadi, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Abubakar, the Yandakan Katsina, District Heads of Dutsin-Ma, Sada, and Safana, and the Chairman of Katsina State Hisbah Board, Brig. Gen..